Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fall is a Great Time at Barnard

As the colors fade and the last leaves fall from the trees there continues to be much going on here at Barnard School. We began the month indoors in the mornings due to an increased concern regarding the presence of EEE locally. It was decided that the best policy was to follow the same precautions as neighboring communities and we also had the campus sprayed. I must admit that everyone enjoyed using the Gym every morning and during inclement weather but now that we have had a good frost the students are back outside and enjoying the fresh fall air.

October is NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program) testing month and students in grades 3-8 participated in reading and math assessments while grades 5 and 8 were also tested in writing. Across all grades the students put in an excellent and thorough effort to "show what they know" and I am confident that our school will continue to fare well as a result of the hard work of dedicated students, their supportive families, and devoted teachers and other staff. Hats off to our Special Ed Director, Stephanie Robinson and the Faculty for flexibility and creativity in developing and following the schedule and make-ups. Also a big "shout-out" to our wonderful students and teachers in grades K-2 for being quiet as a mouse during testing so their friends in upper grades could do their best work!

On Thursday October 18 the South Hampton Fire Dept. visited our K-1 classroom in commemoration of Fire Prevention Week. Nearly a dozen fire fighters and the Chief brought shiny red helmets, coloring books, stickers and other gifts for the eager students. Many came in full equipment right up to air packs and masks to demonstrate how the department is equipped to protect our families ant their homes. They brought trucks for the kids to climb on and around and answered all kinds of questions about what they do and the gear they displayed. Thank you SHFD!

More is on the way with our annual Costume Parade on Halloween Oct. 31, picture retakes on November 5 and the Monthly School Board Meeting on November 6 (early release day.) Our PTA is planning a Pot Luck Supper on November 8 (I'm still thinking about what I'll make). Don't forget that there's no school on Monday November 12, and Weds-Fri November 21-23. Parent Conferences are scheduled for Tuesday December 4. There will be a notice coming home in the poly of 10/31 so you can schedule a conference with your child(ren)'s teacher(s).